by Julie Wood

Created on: January 13, 2009   Last Updated: April 18, 2011

The beautiful Hawaiian Island of Oahu is a great location for a family vacation. It offers visitors everything from the bustling city of Waikiki to high country pineapple plantations and mazes and soft sandy beaches. Traveling with children brings many joys, but also provides it's own set of challenges. Often the attractions that first spring to mind are not entirely well suited to children, particularly preschoolers and infants. Visits to locations like the Arizona Monument and the beautiful Iolani Palace may be best saved for when your children are older and better able to appreciate them. However, there are more than enough fantastic attractions to explore on Oahu.

The Honolulu Zoo

151 Kapahulu Ave, Honolulu, HI 96815 Tel :(808) 971-7171

The Zoo is a great family attractio. It is open every day except for Christmas Day and at only $8 for an adult, $1 for kids and entirely free for the under fives it is a bargain! Picnics are welcome making this a fantastic budget friendly activity.

Waikiki Aquarium

777 Kalakaua Avenue, Honolulu. 96815. Tel:(808) 923-3974

Sticking with the animal theme, the Aquarium is also worth a visit. There are plenty of great hands on exhibits that allow you and your children to experience the best that the underwater world has to offer. Check out their great on line tour before you go. The aquarium is affiliated with the University of Hawaii, allowing it to provide some fantastic educational opportunities for families.

Kuola Ranch

49-560 Kamehameha Highway, Kaaawa, HI 96730, Tel: (808) 237-8515.

For those who prefer to stick to dry land and are ready to hit the saddle, Kuolo Ranch offers a great horseback adventure for kids over age 3. The ranch is 45 minutes drive north of Waikiki and is an incredibly fun program and something even young children will be able enjoy.

Polynesian Cultural Center

55-370 Kamehameha Highway in Laie, 96762.

The Cultural Center offers a unique look at the history of the Hawaiian Islands and their other Polynesian cousins. Run by the Mormon Church and staffed mostly by students at the nearby Brigham Young University, the Cultural Center allows you to travel through Polynesian history and culture and glimpse life the way it was before Hawaii became the 50th state. End your day with a traditional Luau and a phenomenal Hula show featuring traditional dances including some spectacular drumming and fire dancing. It is a must see for the whole family.

Ko'Olina Lagoons.

91-1001 Olani Street Kapolei, 96707.

No trip to Hawaii would

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